Online Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga is expected to preside over the high-level International Business Conference (IBC) in Bulawayo, a flagship engagement of the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), as momentum builds around efforts to accelerate the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation.
The IBC, jointly hosted by the ZITF Company and the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF), has become a central feature of the premier trade showcase, providing a strategic platform for dialogue among Government, business leaders, academia and international investors.
Zimpapers Business Hub reporters Nqobile Bhebhe, Sikhulekelani Moyo, Judith Phiri and Chief Photographer, Believe Nyakudjara are attending the conference and will be giving us live updates.
International Business Conference to spotlight industrial revival, investment
This year’s indaba comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to consolidate gains in economic stabilisation while unlocking new growth opportunities through industrial revival, trade integration, technological innovation and access to global financing.
Delegates drawn from diverse sectors have already started arriving at the venue, with organisers projecting about 800 participants.
The conference has, over the years, attracted strong local and international interest, with investors keen to explore Zimbabwe’s economic prospects and policy direction.
Running under the broader ZITF the topic “Business, Economic and Policy Opportunities in Zimbabwe’s structural Transformation Ambition and Agenda” is expected to generate robust discussions on how the country can leverage regional and global value chains to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Vice-President Chiwenga’s expected presence underscores Government’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in shaping policies that drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The IBC has evolved into a critical policy-shaping forum, with previous editions producing far-reaching resolutions aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s industrial base. Among key outcomes from last year was the proposed establishment of Tripartite Public-Private-Academic Councils to foster collaboration in industrialisation.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, is designed to bridge the gap between research, policy and production.
Another major resolution focused on positioning Bulawayo as a hub for innovation and manufacturing through the development of a comprehensive “Bulawayo Reindustrialisation and Innovation Plan.” The blueprint envisages the designation of Special Economic Zones, infrastructure upgrading, promotion of targeted industries, and the establishment of innovation hubs and technology parks.
Efforts to enhance international collaboration and investment mobilisation also featured prominently, with plans to establish sector-specific platforms targeting key industries such as agro-processing, mining and pharmaceuticals. These platforms are expected to facilitate trade missions, joint ventures, investment conferences and technology transfer agreements.
As the conference convenes, attention is also expected to be on how such resolutions are being implemented and the extent to which they are translating into tangible industrial growth and investment inflows.
The ZITF runs until Saturday at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), drawing exhibitors and visitors from across the region and beyond, in line with its status as Zimbabwe’s premier trade and investment showcase.
VP Chiwenga arrives for key ZITF Business Conference
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at the venue of the International Business Conference (IBC) in Bulawayo, setting the stage for high-level deliberations on Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda.
Several Cabinet Ministers, captains of industry, international investors and members of the diplomatic community are in attendance at the flagship Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) event.
Running under the topic “Business, Economic and Policy Opportunities in Zimbabwe’s Structural Transformation Ambition and Agenda,” the conference is expected to generate robust discussions on how the country can leverage regional and global value chains to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Vice-President Chiwenga is expected to deliver the keynote address, which will focus on Government’s reflections on issues raised by industry, as well as priorities for strengthening competitiveness and deepening regional integration.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Judith Ncube, is scheduled to deliver the welcome remarks, while ZITF board chairman Dr Busisa Moyo will set the tone for the conference in his opening address.
Old Mutual Group chief executive Mr Sam Matsekete and Cimas chief executive Mr Vulindlela Ndlovu are set to present on business and policy opportunities within Zimbabwe’s structural transformation matrix.
A trade and investment panel discussion will also tackle key issues including bilateral investment priorities, trade facilitation instruments, and development finance and guarantees required to drive the country’s structural transformation.
Bulawayo keen to work with investors for economic development
THE Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube has said Bulawayo stands ready to partner and work with investors for investment initiatives and development partners to unlock opportunities that support both national priorities and economic development.
Giving welcome remarks in a speech read on behalf of the Minister by Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Nyoni at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 International Business Conference, she said this comes at a time the country is targeting attainment of Vision 2030.
“Zimbabwe is pursuing a clear broader transition to attain an upper-middle-income status by 2030, which is guided by the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places strong emphasis on industrialisation, development, infrastructure development, investment growth, private sector participation, and devolution as catalysis for inclusive development,” she said.
“The very focus of this conference, that is direct engagement between the highest level of government, the private sector, and other developing partners, is both intentional and strategic. It reflects our firm belief that sustainable economic transformation is best achieved through strong private-public collaboration.”
She said Bulawayo as a province plays a key role we industralisation with significant potential advantage in agriculture and agriculture processing, in logistics and train facilitation, in mining services, and in education, innovation, and skills development.
The Minister said through the Government’s devolution agenda, the province has a meaningful position in the standards of investment, production, and net-worth.
“Our province is ready to work with investoes for investment initiatives, and development partners to unlock opportunities that support both national priorities and global economic development. We are particularly honoured by the presence of our international partners, the members of the diplomatic community whose participation underscores Zimbabwe’s improved engagement with the global economy,” she added.
“Your presence sends a clear signal of confidence in Zimbabwe’s potential and reformed trajectory, and we look forward to deeper cooperation in trade, investment, technology, transfer, and skills exchange.”
The Ministry said to the private sector, the private sector leaders and capitals, they hear their voice matters.
She said the International Business Conference is platform is designed to open, frame, solutions-oriented dialogue.
“Coming this year, we are not only to listen, but to act in collaboration with you on the issues affecting competitiveness, production, and growth,” she said.
“Our discussions today should enable us to agree on practical policies and regulatory reforms, strengthen value chains in key sectors, enhance cost-efficient and global competitiveness, generate meaningful projects and high-quality industry priorities, and build trust-based long-term partnerships between government and the private sector.”
ZITF chair Dr Busisa Moyo says ZITF a key driver of economic transformation
The chairperson of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Board, Busisa Moyo, has said the exhibition has grown beyond a calendar event to become a critical economic tool for both public and private sector leaders to forge alliances and reshape Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.
Speaking during the International Business Conference 2026 held on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Dr Moyo said the platform enables stakeholders to deepen existing partnerships while creating new opportunities for growth and investment.
He said the trade fair has evolved into a premier convening space where ambition meets opportunity, transforming ideas into value and linking businesses with investors.
“Our theme this year, recognising the key ingredients to achieving our broad aspirations, is: Connected Economies and Competitive industries. And we need to be connected,” said Dr Moyo.
“We need to be connected to trade. We need to be connected to raw materials or markets, and often it’s technology and skills. But being connected is not good enough.”
He stressed that connectivity must be matched with competitiveness if industries are to sustain long-term growth.
“We must be competitive on a wider scale to remain connected for the long term. Competitive industries are built across vertical ecosystems that deliver an end product that consumers require, need or even sometimes just want.”
Dr Moyo said competitiveness requires productivity, quality, reliability, innovation and cost discipline, adding that industries must be able to meet global standards and compete confidently in local, regional and international markets.
He said the conference agenda was focused on planting the foundations for a transformative partnership between the private sector, government and policymakers as the country moves closer to 2030 targets.
Dr Moyo said the private sector remains central to achieving national development goals, in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which positions it as a key driver of economic growth.
“Deepening private sector participation is core and mainstream. And all businesses, large firms, medium to small enterprises, startups, industry bodies must be positioned as co-designers and co-implementers of solutions, including joint ventures, supplier development, and shared infrastructure models that enable scale,” he said.
He added that all efforts must align with Zimbabwe’s national development priorities, including jobs creation, skills development, innovation, inclusion and economic resilience, while strengthening global connectivity.
Tourism corridors key to Zimbabwe’s structural transformation ambition and agenda
Experts have called for utilisation of the Zimbabwe’s tourism corridors to drive the country’s structural transformation ambition and agenda in line with Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income economy.
Speaking on Business and Policy Opportunities in Zimbabwe’s Structural Transformation at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 International Business Conference, Archbishop Desmond Tutu African Leadership Institute/ Tutu Fellows chief executive officer (CEO) Ms Kunyalala Maphisa said Zimbabwe should utilise its ourism corridors that play a key role to economic growth.
“The Government is commended for actively accelerating development in designated zones, integrating infrastructure, eco-tourism, and digital technology to enhance competitiveness and increase tourist arrivals. Upgrading infrastructure, such as roads is a key component to improve accessibility to major tourist attractions, reduce accidents and facilitate trade,” she said.
She said another issue critical was of air connectivity, calling for air fares to be inclusive and accommodative for people regardless of geographical location in Zimbabwe.
Ms Maphisa said a person from Binga should be able to travel by air, without seeing it as luxury.
“Connectivity between cities is a direct accelerator of economic growth. If you look at countries like Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria, low-cost intra-air travel is transforming local economies. Zimbabwe can do the same, and it can do it better.
“A business person in Harare should be able to catch an hour shuttle to Victoria Falls. A 45-minute flight should be as accessible as a bus ticket. Connectivity and ease of travel also opens entirely new economic corridors.”
She said broadband connectivity must be treated as a basic human need, not as a luxury.
Ms Maphisa said when the cost of being online becomes negligible and no development should weigh connectivity against the cost of bread.
“When every citizen becomes a potential economic participant and contributor to the global economy, it means every Zimbabwean is a potential entrepreneur, freelancer, or remote knowledge warrior.
“So the goal must be 24-7, affordable internet for every Zimbabwean. We see this in other countries, so we know that it is possible. I think one of the greatest opportunities we also sit on is the fact that we have the ability to learn from what is happening in other countries. So we know that some of the ideas that we have are actually quite possible,” she added.
She said Zimbabwe also had an extraordinary opportunity to attract global talent by building an investment and by building best infrastructure on the continent.
Ms Maphisa said investment in roads, rail, power, water and broadband among others was critical.
“We are seeing some of the developments we have been seeing to date, we know that this is possible. So I would like to commend the Government’s infrastructure programmes at the moment, because it does require deserve recognition, but we also have to say that it has to be accelerated, because this is one of the most fundamental issues that we have,” she said.
“We know that money grows where it will grow, and where it will attract more money. So when we are talking about investment, we then have to say what is the background against which that investment is going to happen.”
Health sector key to economic transformation, experts say at IBC 2026
Health has been described as not only a moral imperative but also productive capital essential for economic growth, experts have said.
Speaking during a presentation on business and policy opportunities in Zimbabwe’s structural transformation at the International Business Conference 2026 on Wednesday, CIMAS chief executive officer Vulindlela Ndlovu said sectors such as health, tourism, education and agriculture remain foundational to successful national transformation.
He said the health sector is showing signs of improvement, with gains recorded in areas such as maternal and child survival. However, he noted that access and coverage remain uneven, with about 90 percent of the population still uncovered, presenting opportunities for investors.
Mr Ndlovu said these challenges are economic in nature, as an unhealthy population undermines productivity and broader economic performance.
He also commended Government’s introduction of the sugar tax, describing it as a step in the right direction towards improving public health outcomes.
“The objective is to improve access to health care, regardless of class, together with the public sector,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He said expanding insurance coverage would encourage more people to seek care and utilise preventive health services, which in turn reduces catastrophic health spending and creates more predictable revenue flows within the sector.
“This is where prevention and coverage can come in. The old model, where you wait for illness and then you pay heavily at the end because your body is now ill, that is the old model,” he said.
“The smarter model interviews again. Screening, wellness, behaviour change, and strong primary care. And we continue this kind of review.”
Mr Ndlovu recommended increased investment in infrastructure, adoption of modern technologies, strengthened public-private partnerships and skills development to improve the healthcare system.
“A more integrated sector, through aligned infrastructure planning, through harmonised regulation, through skills mobility, through coordinated social development, would materially expand markets,” he said.
“It would reduce duplication and improve returns on public and private investment.”
He added that Zimbabwe’s health sector has made notable progress over the past two decades, including improvements in life expectancy, though further reforms are still needed to sustain and deepen gains.
Manufacturing exports of value-added products increased by 18 percent, records US$80.26 million
ZIMBABWE’S manufacturing exports of value-added products increased by 18 percent recording $80.26 million and highlighting a successful shift from raw commodity reliance to higher-value processed goods, strengthening industrial capacity and regional competitiveness.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 International Business Conference and introducing the Guest of Honour Vice President Chiwenga, Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu said the Government contines to push for enhancedpricing stability, strengthened business confidence, and supported demand for locally produced goods.
“In the first three months of 2026, manufacturing exports of value-added products increased by 18 percent, rising from US$69.8 million in January-February 2025 to US$80.26 million during the same period of 2026.
“Exports in iron and steel, built and constructed materials, manufactured tobacco, packaging, ferrochrome, and alloys largely drove this growth. It also suffices to add that the economy has for now managed to sustain broad price stability across most essential goods,” he said.
“While I note that fuel and transport costs increased by close to 10.9 percent mainly due to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, business has largely absorbed the shocks, as reflected in the continued stability of general prices. Where adjustments have occurred, they have remained modest and contained.”
He said the devolving global dynamics present an opportunity to accelerate industrial transformation, underscoring the dangers of advancing energy service efficiency through renewable energy, biofuels, and alternative energy solutions, while defending the localisation of industrial inputs and strengthening domestic value chains.
Minister Ndhlovu said Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector maintained a stable recovery and growth trajectory, with an average capacity utilisation estimated at approximately 57 percent across key subsectors, including agro-processing, beverages, and basic consumer goods.
“This performance reflects improved macroeconomic stability, particularly the achievement of single-digit inflation, which has enhanced the price-pricing stability, strengthened business confidence, and supported demand for locally produced goods.”
He said in a bid to innovate and adapt to the dynamics of geopolitically-induced shocks, Government, industry, and academia are challenged to co-create solutions that strengthen competitiveness, entrench innovation, and deepen critical integration.
The Minister said Distinguished the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy II, which was recently approved by Cabinet and soon to be launched, primarily focuses on accelerating agro-processing, driven by strong backward and forward linkages, while the mineral value addition, beneficiation, and industrialisation is equally poised to take center stage.
“This transformation is being championed by our Guest of Honour today. As an industry, we are collaborating closely with the ministries of mines, of agriculture, of energy, and all key ministries in the economic landscape to drive economic growth and create sustainable jobs.
“Zimbabwe stands at a pivotal moment. The foundation for growth has been laid. Fair and robust policies are in place, and opportunities are abundant. This is the opportune time to forge partnerships, to invest in industry, and to build a competitive and collective economy,” he added.
He said the International Business Conference remains a critical platform to ignite policy into practice, shaping a brighter future together.
VP Chiwenga rallies business leaders to shape globally competitive economy
VICE-President Constantino Chiwenga has challenged delegates at the ongoing International Business Conference (IBC) in Bulawayo to recognise their collective role in shaping a modern, industrialised and globally competitive Zimbabwean economy capable of leading Africa in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
In his keynote address to the oversubscribed engagement, VP Chiwenga said the conference was playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic discourse and future trajectory.
“As we engage today we must recognize that we are actively shaping the architecture of a modern industrialized and globally competitive Zimbabwe economy to lead Africa in the fourth industrial revolution,” he said.
The Vice-President stressed that the conference brings together Government, business leaders, investors and development partners to craft practical pathways for economic growth and industrial transformation.
He said this year’s theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” was both timely and strategic as it speaks to the realities of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
“It reflects the realities of a rapidly changing global economy in which competitiveness, innovation, resilience and collaboration have become the key detriments of national success,” said VP Chiwenga.
“Nations that adapt quickly ans build productive industries are poised to steer the fourth industrial revolution.”
VP Chiwenga noted that Zimbabwe is pursuing its industrialisation agenda through deliberate reforms and clear policy direction, anchored on frameworks such as the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
He said the blueprint provides a roadmap for accelerated industrialisation, private sector expansion, infrastructure modernisation and job creation.
Running under the topic “Business, Economic and Policy Opportunities in Zimbabwe’s Structural Transformation Ambition and Agenda,” the conference is generating robust discussions on how the country can leverage regional and global value chains to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
The IBC, hosted by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company in partnership with the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), has become a central feature of the premier trade showcase.
It provides a strategic platform for dialogue among Government, business leaders, academia and international investors.
This year’s indaba comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to consolidate gains in economic stabilisation while unlocking new growth opportunities through industrial revival, trade integration, technological innovation and access to global financing.
VP Chiwenga underscores policy consistency, investment protection at IBC
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to policy consistency, fiscal discipline and the protection of investments, saying these are critical pillars for unlocking both domestic and international capital and building a resilient economy.
Addressing an oversubscribed International Business Conference (IBC) held on the sidelines of the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, VP Chiwenga said the Second Republic remains focused on creating a stable, predictable and transparent investment environment anchored on trust and confidence.
“We are determined to create an economy that rewards productivity, attracts capital and promotes long-term confidence,” VP Chiwenga told delegates.
“In that regard, Government remains committed to policy consistency, fiscal discipline, the sanctity of contracts, protection of investments, transparent regulation and continuous improvement in the ease of doing business.
“These principles are essential to unlocking domestic and international investment.”
“Our objective is to make Zimbabwe one of the most efficient and attractive investment destinations in the region,” said VP Chiwenga.
VP Chiwenga said the time for policy articulation had passed, with the focus now firmly on implementation and tangible outcomes.
“The focus now is on execution and results. This conference must serve as a catalyst for concrete outcomes,” he said.
“We must convert dialogue into investment, partnerships into projects and opportunities into measurable economic impact. Zimbabwe is ready, and open for mutually beneficial partnerships.
“The policy direction is clear, the opportunities are substantial, and the commitment to reform is unwavering. We invite you to partner with us in building a modern, industrialised and prosperous Zimbabwe,” said VP Chiwenga.
Peter Tanyanyiwa